We know what you are thinking…Vegas, for kids? Are you sure? Okay, while Sin City is a haven for adults, there are plenty of sites to see with kids as well. My advice is to stay on the strip, so you are walking distance or just a short cab ride away from all the action. When we went, my son fell in love with the Luxor because of it’s Egyptian theme. Just remember, if you decide to gamble, never leave your kids unattended. That would be bad.
The Volcano at the Mirage
Hours of operation: The Volcano plays nightly every hour on the hour from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Location: Outside the Mirage hotel-casino located on the Strip between Flamingo and Spring Mountain Rd.
Kids young and old will enjoy the spectacle of the Volcano at the Mirage. With massive fire balls that shoot 12 feet in the air, waterfalls, fire and smoke effects, it’s sure to entertain the whole family. Since its opening in 1989, the volcano has been one of most popular attractions on the Strip. In 1996, the volcano added new water, lighting and sound effects. Today, the volcano is looking – and sounding – better than ever thanks to a $25 million redesign, which reopened to the public in 2008.
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. (with shows every half hour), 7 p.m. – midnight (with shows every 15 minutes). Weekends and holidays: Noon – 7 p.m. (with shows every half hour), 7 p.m. – midnight (with shows every 15 minutes).
Note: Every Sunday for Jasmine’s “Fountain Brunch,” show times begin at 11 a.m. and run every 15 minutes.
Cost: Free.
Location: Located outside the Bellagio hotel-casino at the intersection of Flamingo Road and the Vegas Strip.
The Fountains of Bellagio
The Fountains at the Bellagio is one of the most breathtaking sites on the strip. This dancing water show is choreographed to over 30 different songs. The fountain shooters can shoot higher than a 24 story building! It is a show that people of all ages are sure to enjoy!
Hours of operation: Sunday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Last admission to the exhibit is sold one hour prior to closing.
Cost: $18 for adults, $12 for children 5-12. Children age 4 and under are admitted free. Nevada residents with proper identification get a discount on the price of admission. For group rates are also available for parties of 20 or more, please call (702) 632-4555.
Location: Located at Mandalay Bay hotel-casino near the intersection of the Vegas Strip and Hacienda Avenue.
The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
This astounding aquarium is a must see! The Shark Reef is home to more than 1,200 sharks, fish and reptiles. You can spy a Komodo dragon, golden crocodiles, or piranhas. Make your way over to the touch pool for some real hands on learning. Interact with the crabs and even pet the sting rays!
Hours of operation: Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – midnight.
Cost: $14 per person. Second-time riders can purchase an additional ticket for $7. Both tickets should be purchased at the same time. The All-Day Scream Pass is $25. The “Flight-for-Four” package is available for $60 and includes admission for four as well as two souvenir photos Please call for special group rates.
Location: Located on the second level inside the New York-New York hotel-casino at the south end of the Strip where Las Vegas Boulevard meets Tropicana Avenue.
Age/Height/Weight restrictions: You must be 54 inches tall to ride, and no loose articles are allowed on the ride.
Roller Coaster at the New York-New York
This awesome coaster, designed to look like a NYC taxi cab, is not for the faint at heart. Only the serious and experiences amusement park veteran should attempt this ride with towering drops and multiple loops. This coaster is extra special because of it’s stunning views of the strip.
The Gondola Ride at the Venetian
Hours of operation: Indoor gondola: Sunday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – midnight. Outdoor gondola: 12 p.m. – 11 p.m. (operates seasonally, weather permitting). The last boat leaves the dock 15 minutes prior to closing each night. Tickets for the indoor gondola ride go on sale at 9 a.m.
Cost: $16 per person. Children 2 years old and younger are free. A private, two-passenger gondola ride is available for $64. Prices apply for both indoor and outdoor gondola rides. Reservations may be made at the EmporioD’Gondola located inside the Grand Canal Shoppes.
Location: Located at the Venetian hotel-casino at the intersection of the Vegas Strip and Spring Mountain Road.
Riding the gondola at the Venetian was one of our favorite things to do in Vegas. While it was a little pricey, my whole family found riding through the Grand Canal Shoppes while being serenaded a magical experience. The ride lasts about 15 minutes and each gondola seats four.
The Adventuredome at Circus Circus
Hours of operation: Hours vary, but generally open Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: $5-8 per ride. All-day passes to the Adventuredome are $27.95 for adults and $16.95 for children 33-47 inches tall (free for toddlers under 33 inches with a paying adult). Locals receive a $2 discount with proof of a valid Nevada ID (Monday – Friday).
Located at the Circus Circus hotel-casino, at the intersection of the Vegas Strip and Circus Circus Dr.
Age/Height/Weight restrictions: Height requirements vary by ride; special children’s section available.
The five-and-a-half-acre Adventuredome is America’s largest indoor theme park and features thrill rides, traditional carnival rides, laser tag, miniature golf, bumper cars, midway booths, an arcade, clown shows and so much more. Great for kids and the kids-at-heart, the Adventuredome inside Circus Circus proves you can go crazy in Vegas without the wild nightlife scene.